United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI), 05 June 2025 – India is among seven emerging ocean economies chosen to pioneer the implementation of the Ocean Centres initiative. The selection followed a comprehensive scoping phase conducted in 2023, which included analysis of UN Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition strategy documents, academic research, benchmarking, and expert interviews across diverse national contexts.
India presents a strategic environment for advancing a safe and sustainable ocean economy, particularly after hosting the G20 and the Ocean20 (O20) Dialogue. The country’s ocean economy is vast, with industries spread across remote and rural areas. However, it has been observed that the implementation of ocean-related policies and stakeholder consultation at the state level needs more emphasis. A central focus is enhancing safety and sustainability standards in ports and shipyards, including alignment with the national government’s “Zero Accident Programme.” The Ocean Centres initiative in India seeks to address such gaps by fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration and driving progress toward a just and resilient blue economy in India. Key focus sectors for India are Shipping & Ports, Fishing & Aquaculture, Offshore Renewables, and Finance & Investment.
Mr. Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network India, invites the stakeholders across business, government, academia, and civil society to contribute to this unique and most needed initiative. Opportunities exist for partnership, technical collaboration, and participation in country-level working groups. More information can be found at: www.oceancentres.com. He emphasised that Ocean Centres is a global initiative in the growing maritime economies, and India’s role will have the potential to set benchmarks for other countries in the world. As under the ambitious leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the achievement of the goal of a Vikshit Bharat by 2047 will largely be based on a sustainable ocean / blue economy, we at UN GCNI / Ocean Centres India are committed to contributing to this cause by building capacities and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues.
He emphasised that the UN Global Compact has developed key recommendations for businesses and governments to leverage ocean-based climate solutions, in four action areas; zero-emission maritime transport, low-carbon blue food, harnessing offshore renewable energy and nature-based solutions. UNGC has also produced Sustainable Ocean Principles, providing a framework for responsible business practices across sectors and geographies; and the Ocean Investment Protocol with UNEP FI to align financial flows towards the transition to a Sustainable Ocean Economy. Ocean Centres is another initiative by the UNGC.
The Ocean Centres will be officially launched at a high-level side event of the United Nations Ocean Conference on June 10 at 15:45 in Room 5 (Blue Zone), Nice. Titled “United by Ocean Centres – Global and Local Ocean Collaboration in Practice”, the event will bring together international experts, government leaders, and the Country Leads from each Ocean Centre to explore how local action can inform global progress, as the one from India. Dr. Ravi Raj Atrey, Country Lead, Ocean Centre, India will participate in the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), 9 – 13 June 2025, in Nice, France – attending various events, taking part in a workshop, and speaking at the official launch of the Ocean Centres on June 10, 2025.
Dr. Ravi Raj Atrey emphasised that after the global launch in France, the official launch of the ‘Ocean Centres’ in India is scheduled to be held on 10 July 2025 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The launch event is expected to be graced by the highest level of Government representatives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Govt. of India, among other dignitaries. The event will feature Panel Discussions, stakeholder consultations, and a gathering of experts with diverse perspectives to discuss key areas of the sustainable ocean economy and share insights. Representatives from relevant industries – Shipping, Ports, Offshore Renewables, Oil & Gas, Fisheries & Aquaculture, and Finance & Investment, Industry Associations, Media, Govt. Institutions, Academic & Research Institutions, Policy Think Tanks and NGOs will join this event.
(India CSR)
